Open Forum

I'm looking for a good workflow on how to be in compliance with infection control practices for reusable BP cuffs. Disposable cuffs are not feasible for the volume of patients we see and if we wipe down cuffs between each patient they will not have time to dry properly before use on the next patient. I've looked as some options for barriers, but really haven't found anything there that I thought would work. Just trying to get an idea of how other organizations are handling this issue.

------------------------------
Angela Head BSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Manager
Mercy Hospital Southeast
Cape Girardeau, MO
573-331-7846
------------------------------

Angela, I recently attended the AAAHC Conference (you are probably JACHO?) in Las Vegas and they said they look at the infection prevention policies which in this case would be taken from the manufacturer.  In other words, each manufacturer has different material for their cuffs and will require certain types of antimicrobial wipes to comply or avoid in order to maintain IC.  Each wipe will have a certain amount of time required before touching another patient.  This time can be passed by removing the cuff from the cord and wiping down and allowing to dry while the provider visits with the patient.  The MA or whoever is rooming, brings the cuff back into the room attaches quickly to the cord and off you go.  I hope that helps. 

------------------------------
Lee Clere
Clinical Nursing Supervisor
Ketchikan Indian Community Health Clinic
Ketchikan AK
(918)520-9924
------------------------------

Thank you Lee for that information! We are JACHO and they have been focusing a lot too on manufacturers instructions for cleaning and disinfecting. We just have so many different brands on cuffs floating around so I'm trying to wrap my head around how to be compliant with the different manufacturers or we may just have to start weeding the old ones out and ordering all the same brand. Lots to think about as always :) Thanks again for the response!

------------------------------
Angela Head BSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Manager
Mercy Hospital Southeast
Cape Girardeau, MO
573-331-7846
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 07:32
From: Lee Clere
Subject: Reusable BP cuffs

Angela, I recently attended the AAAHC Conference (you are probably JACHO?) in Las Vegas and they said they look at the infection prevention policies which in this case would be taken from the manufacturer.  In other words, each manufacturer has different material for their cuffs and will require certain types of antimicrobial wipes to comply or avoid in order to maintain IC.  Each wipe will have a certain amount of time required before touching another patient.  This time can be passed by removing the cuff from the cord and wiping down and allowing to dry while the provider visits with the patient.  The MA or whoever is rooming, brings the cuff back into the room attaches quickly to the cord and off you go.  I hope that helps. 

------------------------------
Lee Clere
Clinical Nursing Supervisor
Ketchikan Indian Community Health Clinic
Ketchikan AK
(918)520-9924
------------------------------